During wartime, people with mental health difficulties may experience a worsening of their existing symptoms or the recurrence of a disorder. They may also develop new symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, aggression, paranoia, suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These symptoms can impair their ability to cope with the situation and endanger their health and safety.
The first step in helping them is to emphasize that they are not alone and can get help – emotional and practical support. It is important for them to seek professional help from mental health services or organizations that specialize in helping those struggling. They should be encouraged to stay around other people as isolation can worsen their condition and worsen the feeling of loneliness. It is also recommended to strive for support from their families, friends and caregivers who can provide them with emotional, practical and financial assistance.
Treatments that may help them include medication and non-pharmacological treatments such as psychotherapy, counseling, support groups, relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, yoga art therapy and more. Medications depending on diagnosis and symptoms may reduce distress and stabilize mood but it is important for them to consult their psychiatrist or family doctor about the best medication for them and follow prescription carefully. Non-pharmacological treatments can help process emotions deal with trauma reduce stress improve self-esteem quality of life also maintaining regular routine eating well getting enough sleep exercising relaxing avoiding alcohol drugs because they may worsen symptoms interfere treatment.
It is worth noting that different people may react differently to the same drug or treatment depending on genetic structure making it challenging in treating patients facing mental difficulties finding optimal psychiatric treatment personal profile genetic test analyzing DNA helps find most effective safest medicine individual’s needs.